We no longer suggest the Kenmore water softener primarily due to stock and replacement times, they're nearly impossible to find at the right price currently.
We have provided a great list of alternative options below starting with our Favorite the Fleck 5600sxt.
Fleck is one of the oldest brands with over 50 years of experience in the business. When it comes to the best water softeners, Fleck 5600SXT is your safest bet. People who live in areas with hard water have to change their appliances more often because of scale. They also put their health to risk by exposing themselves to harmful materials such as barium, arsenic, fluoride, lead, and more. While most of these elements are invisible to the naked eye, they are dangerous and greatly affect one’s well-being.
Fleck 5600sxt – The Basics
This model is one of the best in its category. The first thing people notice about it is the design. It has an unusual yet quite efficient shape, and it comes in few colors.
One thing is certain about this model – it will fit in any household and kitchen. It’s worth mentioning that you’ll get a 10-year warranty on this unit, which is a great thing. Most manufacturers offer double the less.
When it comes to the price, it’s far from a low-costing unit, but it’s worth checking out. If you’re looking for a high-end softener, this model might be an interesting candidate. Although your budget won’t like it, one’s health is the most important thing to care for.
The Features
The Fleck 5600sxt comes with a few neat features. While some consider it a big unit, it does justify the size with its versatile functions.
Removes Hard Water
As you might know, hard water isn’t the best thing to have around. This particular model uses an ion exchange process to eliminate the calcium and magnesium. These two minerals cause scale, which is certainly bad for both you and your kitchen appliances. If scale gets enough time to build-up in the pipes, you’ll have to pay for new ones.
Areas with hard water greatly benefit from units like these. Softeners are a mandatory accessory in any household that has issues with hard water, scale, and harmful minerals.
Regeneration System
This model has an innovative regeneration system. It measures the amount of used water, and only regenerates the content of the fresh tank when needed. This feature greatly helps with water and money saving. You can also set various parameters to fine-tune the unit to your personal preferences. In fact, the SXT digital controller is integrated into the main valve. Due to its high precision, the consumption is at a bare minimum.
The SXT Controller
One of the good things about this particular unit is the modern technology that comes with it. This controller comes with a set of customizable parameters which can be configured and read on a backlit LCD. The touchpad controls, internal emergency battery, and a straightforward interface are included with this quality unit.
The Tank
The tank is quite large, but the design is elongated so it doesn’t take as much room as you might think. Still, you should have in mind that it’s a big tank that can hold up to 250 pounds of salt. The dimensions are 15″x17″x33″. There is a safety float integrated into the reservoir to prevent overfilling and overflow. The existence of these security mechanisms goes to show that it’s a user-friendly unit.
Easy Installation
While some other tanks require a professional intervention, this one doesn’t. In fact, it’s one of the easiest to install. You can assemble the unit properly with an occasional glimpse on the manual within two hours. Some people deny that it’s an easy install, but most of them oversee the importance of a user manual.
The Price
Although it may not be the model with the lowest price on the market, it’s worth every penny. Bear in mind; there is a difference between a standard and upgraded model. While the standard one is quite useful and efficient, the upgraded is not worth the premium price. It does have a few benefits over the regular model, but most of them are negligible. There are also models with the same features like the upgraded one for a much lower price. However, it comes down to your needs and personal preferences.
What Do the Users Think?
The users say it’s one of the most versatile and cost-efficient high-end water softeners on the market currently. It will do the job, and it will perform as expected. As we said, some people found it to be a bit tricky to set up and install, but it’s easily solvable if you read the manual or hire a professional.
The Fleck Company is well-known for their friendly approach and readiness to solve any issues regarding the installation or tuning of their products. The customer support department is helpful and informative, which is a rarity nowadays.
The Pros and Cons
There are some disadvantages, but most of them are minor. However, you should get familiar with every aspect of this model so that you know what could potentially go wrong.
PROS
- High quality
- Modern design
- Durable and sturdy
CONS
- Some people consider it large
- Premium price
- The upgraded model isn’t worth buying
Final Thoughts on the Fleck 5600sxt
If you’re not on a tight budget, the Fleck 5600sxt is a safe bet in the high-end softeners category. It offers a great set of features, and most importantly – it performs great. The quality is not in question because it’s made by Fleck which is well-known for top-notch products.
Owners of small households might want to skip this unit because it’s a slight overkill to install it inside a small object. It’s simply not cost-efficient. On the other hand, the medium and large homes benefit greatly from its high-tech features such as timed cycles, water saving, ion exchange process, and more. The valves are specially designed to work at an optimal level at all times.
You’ll get a great warranty from a respected company, which is more than enough proof of quality and confidence. One thing is sure about the Fleck 5600sxt – it delivers fresh and purified water 24/7, regardless of the conditions.
About Kenmore Water Softeners
Health-conscious homeowners have started to make the switch from unfiltered water to purified water that runs throughout their entire home. If your water is on the higher end of the pH scale, you may want to consider investing in any of the Kenmore water softener systems so you no longer need to wash clothes and do dishes with unfiltered water.
Homeowners everywhere are discovering the many benefits of a whole-home water filtration system, with the best of the water softening systems being offered by Kenmore. Kenmore products can take on the harsh contaminants of hard water, providing your household with clean water each time a tap is opened or when the washing machine is turned on.
Choosing a Kenmore Water Softener
The majority of Americans still rely on regular tap water for chores around the home. However, studies have shown that not all tap water is completely safe, so many households are opting for a whole-house water softener that purifies all water from the source. Unfiltered water allows for the exposure to harmful chemicals and other dangerous elements, which may greatly impact a person's overall health and well-being. People who have unfiltered water typically also have to purchase new appliances sooner due to the erosion properties within the unfiltered water.
With there being many water softeners available on the market, choosing the best product may not be so easy. We strongly recommend going with a reliable brand, such as Kenmore, as their products are built with durability in mind. Kenmore is an established appliance brand, having been in business since 1927. Kenmore water softener treatment systems are among the top-of-the-line models offered both in stores and online, and they have a multitude of highly-rated models available.
All of the Kenmore water softeners on the market work to eradicate the harmful elements in your tap water by cleansing the water at the source. The Kenmore water softener system is installed where the water meets the house, and from there, you never need to be concerned with the quality of water anywhere in your home. Kenmore water softener systems are built to last— just be sure to test your water so you know which system will work best for you.
Alternative Water Softener Systems
Although the Kenmore brand is known for supplying top of the line water softeners, based upon our recent research, it seems as if Kenmore water softeners are no longer available consistently. Instead, here are some highly-rated alternatives that are reviewed as being on par with the Kenmore brand:
Alternative Water Softener Systems
1)Whirlpool WHESFC Pro Series – Softener/Whole Home Filter Hybrid
This Whirlpool WHESFC Pro Series softener offers better water for you and your home. Unlike other options, this Whirlpool model comes with a 2-in-1 multi-tasking system that rids your water of hardness and contaminants at the same time, using the same tank.
Older water softening systems regenerate soft water on a timer, which creates waste and costs homeowners more money. This Whirlpool model goes easy on the salt tank, regenerating soft water for your home only as needed by using its 6th Sense Technology. This works to save you energy, water, salt, and ultimately, money.
The Whirlpool WHESFC Pro Series is NSF Certified, meaning that this product complies with the strict standards of the the NSF Public Health Organization. This water softening system is guaranteed to reduce dangerous contaminants in your water while also making the water less hard, therefore, making it safer and healthier for your every day use.
What’s Included? This Whirlpool WHESFC Pro Series system comes with everything you need for a quick and easy installation. Be sure to check installation requirements, as they may determine warranty eligibility.
2) Whirlpool WHES40E - 40,000 Grain Water Softener-NSF Certified, Salt-Saving Technology
The Whirlpool WHES40E is a great option for those dealing with a hard water source that has high-iron potency. Iron is a distinctly unfavorable and recognizable taste, and it has no business ruining bold flavors of coffee or clouding up your favorite iced tea.
Soften your home’s cold and hot water with a system that removes high levels of hardness and iron up to 11 ppm, cleansing your water of all of the invisible contaminants. The demand-initiated regeneration technology allows access to softer water as you need it, all while calculating your home’s daily water use. The low salt light indicator will also let you know when you need to add more salt to the salt tank, making guessing games a thing of the past.
3) Pentair WS48-56sxt10 Fleck Water Softener
This modern model Pentair comes with its instructions on a USB drive, but don't be concerned— the reviews say that this product is very easy to self-install. Additionally, this water softener comes with a sanitizer pack, a hardness test strip so you can measure your water type, and you will also receive a reusable water bottle as a gift.
Using the ion-exchange process, this system removes hard water elements at a high capacity. Calcium and magnesium are both highly concentrated in hard water, but this water softener works to remove all of the access ions before they cause damage to you or your appliances.
This product is built with meter-based regeneration. This means that the water you use is measured, and that the system only regenerates when it needs to. The SXT controller is built on the tried and true 5600 valve that Fleck offers. These valves have an outstanding five year warranty and have been tested to run continuously up to 27 years. The interface is user-friendly and built to last. The durable polyglass tank is made by one of the most popular manufacturers of tanks, and it's capable of holding 250 pounds of salt. It also comes with a ten year warranty, but be sure to check the installation requirements, as they may determine warranty eligibility.
4) Fleck 5600SXT - 64,000 Grain Water Softener - Digital SXT - Metered Whole House System
The Fleck 5600 SXT water softener is raved about in reviews as being the best bang for your buck, but what makes it stand out against similar water softener models?
The Fleck 5600 SXT also has a digital meter, so it only regenerates as needed. This can save you tons in water and salt costs, plus the hassle of having to tend to the tank unnecessarily. The tank is a high capacity resin tank made out of fiber glass, so it's built to be durable and reliable. And the best part? Installation is said to only take between one and two hours depending on how handy you are.
Additionally, the included safety float prevents the tank from overfilling, and the overflow drain serves as an additional precaution to help avoid spillages from water flow. Customer support is also reviewed as being extremely helpful should you need any additional assistance after purchasing this system.
The only downside is that there is no low-salt light on this model. The refilling schedule will vary depending upon the water hardness and usage. Some people prefer to add a bag or two each month, but you'll easily figure out what works best for your needs.
5) Ecopure EPHS007 EPHS Conditioner-Water Softener & Filter System- Initiated Regeneration - BEST VALUE
Ridding your house of hard water is a cost-effective and easy process with the EcoPure EPHS007 water softening system. EcoPure focuses on the overall health of purified water, ranging from softer hair and skin to cleaner and more comfortable linens. This water softening system works for larger families of 6+ people, so this is something to consider if you have many inhabitants in your home.
The EcoPure water conditioner works especially to remove chlorine from your water supply. Chlorine is a harsh chemical used to kill bacteria in public water, such as community pools and gym spas. Therefore, it's extremely harsh on your hair and skin, and it's not healthy to drink, even in small amounts. The EcoPure system works at the source to eliminate contaminants in your water, transforming it from hard to soft, and making it purified and healthier for you and your home.
The EcoPure system also employs demand initiated regeneration, so you won't be wasting water, salt, or money. Additionally, it has indicators that work to either pause or regenerate soft water as needed, so it will not overuse your supply or leave you with hard or contaminated water if you are using a lot of water in general.
All EcoPure water softeners come standard with a one-year manufacturers parts, a three-year limited electronics, and ten-year limited warranty on the tanks. To extend the full parts and labor warranty to two years, can be extended you can purchase three bottles of EcoPure EPCL water softener cleaner within the first year of ownership (sold separately).
If your heart was set on a Kenmore water softener, there's hope— this EcoPure EPHS Hybrid Softener is built as an exact replacement for your Kenmore water softener. The EcoPure system is identical in height to the Kenmore system, so no need to worry about making space for this replacement.
Which Water Softening System is Best for You?
If you're looking for a way to improve your overall health and home value, you should consider purchasing one of the listed water softener systems described in this buying guide. Not only will you increase the longevity of your household appliances, but you will also make a change that greatly benefits your overall health.
The Kenmore water softeners are known for being long-lasting and well-made products, but the other alternatives also come highly reviewed and at a similar price-point. Five options are described in detail above, and although they're not Kenmore, they are reviewed highly as being very close. If you're looking for a healthier water flow from each faucet in your home, be sure to test your water and pick the water softening system that best meets your needs.
